Lexicon DC-1 vs. B&K Reference 20

Posted by frank robison on September 27, 1998 at 00:11:42:

In Reply to: Lexicon DC-1 vs. B&K Reference 20 posted by Phil Radin on September 26, 1998 at 00:01:01:

: I'm in the process of evaluating the purchase of either the Lexicon DC-1 or the B&K reference 20. Any comments pro or con would be greatly appreciated.
: Thanks...Phil

I too am currently looking at new HT separates. After listening to pre/pro's for months I have narrowed my choices to two curent systems, Lexicon DC-1 and B&K Reference 20, and a future system, the Sunfire Theatre Grand (jury still out on this one - not out of the warehouses yet - but soon I hope). I listened to these pre/pro's using the Sunfire Cinema Grand 5 channel 200 w/ch amp (my favorite 5 channel amp) and both units sounded so much better than the Onkyo 727 I currently own I was blown away. There was never any clipping (due to a great amp) sound separation was phenomenal, extremely tight bass, and clean highs. The lexicon seemed to be a little clearer in the highs and the bass hit very hard and clean but both units were very impressive.

The B&K had more digital inputs and outputs than the DC-1 but how many digital inputs does one need? Both units brag upgradeability for future 5.1 channel formats (hopefully for the new SACD and DVD-Audio formats).

I am really looking forward to seeing the Sunfire Theatre Grand as well (it has 10 speaker outputs: 2 front, 2 rear, 2 side, 2 center, 2 sub) so you can install speakers everywhere with this unit, but it has yet to land in stores. I don't have a feel for its upgradeability.

What you need to do is search the web, read reviews, talk to sales reps, and most importantly listen to the equipment. You cannot go wrong with either of the units you are going after, so it comes down to money and future upgradeability and how much you are willing to spend for a little better sound (Law of Diminishing Returns). My biggest struggle is the whether the DC-1 worth $2500 more than the Ref. 20, I have yet to figure this out.

What I have decided to do is to wait a year, firstly, to get a chance to see and hear the Sunfire Theatre Grand, secondly, to see how the next 5.1 audio war turns out before I let go of 5 or 6 G's for a new pre/pro and amp, but whatever I buy it WILL BE UPGRADEABLE, and that's about the best advice I can give you on any unit you may purchase.

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